Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Why Conway Is Suddenly So Popular
• Map Basics and the 501 Divide in Conway
• Downtown Conway: Small-Town Charm With Big Personality
• Costs That Make a Difference in Conway
• New Construction vs Resale in Conway: What to Expect
• Popular Neighborhoods to Consider in Conway
• Auberon Woods: Conway’s Next Big Community
• Multigenerational Homes in Conway: Who They’re For
• Practical Buying Tips for Moving to Conway, SC
• How to Plan Your Move to Conway
• FAQs
• Closing Thoughts

Introduction

If you're considering moving to Conway, SC, you are looking at one of the most charming and practical alternatives to living directly on the Grand Strand. Conway blends historic small-town character with new construction growth, easy access to Myrtle Beach, and a cost of living that makes sense for families, retirees, and remote workers alike.

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Why Conway Is Suddenly So Popular

People are choosing Conway for three big reasons: location, affordability, and new homes. Conway sits roughly 20 to 35 minutes from the beaches depending on traffic, yet offers more square footage and larger lots for the same money you would spend closer to the ocean. When you think about moving to Conway, SC, you get a serious value proposition—modern homes, bigger yards, and a slower pace without sacrificing access to the amenities and entertainment of Myrtle Beach.

Conway is also expanding. New communities are being added farther inland, and local development is reshaping what counts as Conway on maps. That means buyers who are moving to Conway, SC today often get first pick on lots and floor plans in growth communities that will feel established in a few years.

Map Basics and the 501 Divide in Conway

The town footprint looks like a paint splatter on a map. One thing to know immediately is that U.S. 501 slices Conway into north and south zones, and that makes a big difference in commute times, school districts, and pricing.

• North of 501: closer to Carolina Forest and communities that feel more connected to the Myrtle Beach side of the Grand Strand.
• South of 501: quieter, often more affordable neighborhoods and a short drive to downtown Conway’s Riverwalk and historic district.

Understanding that 501 is a practical boundary helps when you are moving to Conway, SC and comparing communities. It’s a simple way to narrow down where you want to look first.

Downtown Conway: Small-Town Charm With Big Personality

Downtown Conway is a standout reason people choose to make Conway home. The historic district around the Riverwalk is walkable, family friendly, and full of year-round events. You’ll find boutique shops, coffee spots, a classic bed and breakfast, and a riverfront park where locals fish and watch the boats float by.

For those considering moving to Conway, SC, downtown offers a lifestyle: morning coffee on the river, holiday decorations and festivals, and an authentic sense of place that new developments can’t replicate.

Costs That Make a Difference in Conway

Affordability is the headline. Conway’s overall cost of living sits about 7 percent below the national average, and housing is roughly 32 percent below the national average. By contrast, expensive metro areas—think New York—are well over 100 percent above the national average. 

Real buyers feel that difference in their wallets. Property taxes, everyday expenses, and even gas can be meaningfully cheaper. If your move is motivated by a desire to stretch your retirement dollars, buy more house, or reduce recurring expenses, moving to Conway, SC is a compelling option.

New Construction vs Resale in Conway: What to Expect

Most clients are drawn to new construction, and with good reason. New homes come with modern insulation, energy efficient HVAC systems, smart home tech, and builder incentives that can be significant. The median new construction price in Conway sits lower than comparable new homes in Myrtle Beach, so if you are moving to Conway, SC and want brand-new finishes, you won’t be penalized the way you might be closer to the beach.

Resale homes provide a different type of value. Many resales include upgrades—landscaping, fences, finished basements, pools—that can save you time and money. There is also more negotiation room in the resale market because months of inventory have grown. Currently, Conway has about 4 to 4.8 months supply in resales and roughly 3.7 months in new construction, so both sides of the market present opportunities depending on your priorities.

Builder incentives and smart ways to save

Builders in Conway are aggressive with incentives. Typical offers can include:

• Reduced interest rates with a preferred lender (examples reported around 4.99 percent)
• Help with closing costs
• Allowances for finishes—sometimes up to $10,000 to $15,000 to select upgrades

These incentives change frequently. If you are moving to Conway, SC and want to maximize savings, work with an agent who tracks builder promotions and compares packages rather than lists of base prices.

Popular Neighborhoods to Consider in Conway

Conway offers a broad range of neighborhoods—everything from affordable 1,600 to 2,200 square foot starter homes to 3,000+ square foot luxury builds. Here are several areas worth a look.

North of 501: Carolina Forest edge and Wild Wing areas

When shopping north of 501, you get quick access to Carolina Forest and the highway corridors leading into Myrtle Beach. Prices here reflect the convenience and quality of nearby schools. Expect median new home pricing to be higher than farther inland.

Wild Wing Plantation and the Retreat at Wild Wing include larger models and higher-end finishes, which can push price points up but keep you inside Conway’s borders while feeling closer to the beach.

South of 501: Rivertown Landing, Heritage Crossing, Lock Haven

Southside neighborhoods often deliver strong value for buyers: two to three car garages, decent yards, and family layouts. Examples include Rivertown Landing and Heritage Crossing, where you can find three bedroom homes in the high $200s and low $300s.

If your move is focused on maximizing space and lot size while still being within a short drive to downtown Conway, these southern neighborhoods are ideal.

Auberon Woods: Conway’s Next Big Community

Auberon Woods is a major development to watch. It’s planned to include around 1,500 homes, two pools, a golf simulator, and a future school. Early phases let buyers select lots and floor plans, and the builder has announced a return of the popular multi generation home model in later phases.

For families or households where multigenerational living is a factor, Auberon Woods may be the perfect fit. If you are seriously thinking about moving to Conway, SC and want a long term community vibe with amenities, consider putting Auberon Woods on your short list.

Multigenerational Homes in Conway: Who They’re For

Multi generation homes are more than an extra bedroom. They offer private living spaces, separate entrances in some models, and often a suite for in-laws or returning adult children. Given Conway’s popularity with retirees and families alike, these models are resurfacing due to demand.

If you are considering moving to Conway, SC and need flexible living arrangements, make multi gen options part of your checklist. They sell fast when builders release them.

Practical Buying Tips for Moving to Conway, SC

1. Define your priorities: lot size, commute time, schools, and finished space. Conway varies wildly by neighborhood.
2. Compare incentives: a lower base price does not always win if another builder offers better allowances and financing sweeteners.
3. Ask about energy efficiency: many new homes include foam insulation, smart thermostats, and efficient water heaters that reduce monthly utility costs.
4. Check flood maps and elevation: parts of Conway are more susceptible to flooding, so review lot elevations and insurance costs before you commit.
5. Think long term: Conway is growing. Buying a lot in a new community now could mean higher resale appreciation as the area develops.

Resale advantages: move-in ready perks

Resale homes often come with upgrades you would otherwise pay to add yourself: landscaping, fences, pools, or finish carpentry. If you want to avoid immediate renovation costs and get settled quickly, resale is a strong option for those moving to Conway, SC.

Keep in mind resales may offer more negotiation room because the supply of resale homes has increased; that can be a negotiating advantage if timing and inspection contingencies line up in your favor.

Parks, schools, and services

Conway has excellent proximity to Conway Medical Center and to Coastal Carolina University. If access to medical care or university resources matters to your family, Conway checks those boxes. Schools vary by neighborhood, with Carolina Forest district options on the north side often rated highly.

How to Plan Your Move to Conway

Moving to Conway, SC, can be straightforward when you approach it with a checklist and a local expert. Prioritize these steps:

• Decide on timeline and must-haves
• Match budget to neighborhoods on either side of 501
• Review builder incentives and resale comparables
• Line up mortgage preapproval and research preferred lenders
• Schedule lot visits and home walkthroughs

Sample price points you can expect

Numbers shift, but to give practical context:

• Median price in Conway across property types: around $310,000
• Median new construction in Conway: roughly $317,000
• New construction closer to Myrtle Beach or in North Myrtle Beach: significantly higher, often $400,000 and up

These figures make the case for moving to Conway, SC if your goal is to get more home for your money while still being within easy reach of coastal amenities.

Local market pulse

Inventory and market tempo affect negotiation power. With about 3.7 months supply in new construction and near 4.8 months in resales, buyers have leverage in many situations. That said, specific floor plans and preferred lots still move quickly, especially models with three car garages or multi gen setups.

What to watch for

Watch for these red flags:

• Floodplain or stormwater issues on lower lots
• HOA rules that block the outdoor amenities you want
• Builders promising incentives without written confirmation
• Commute time differences if your work is in Myrtle Beach versus inland locations

Ask for documentation and get a local inspection to avoid surprises.

Final perspective

Conway strikes a rare balance: it is close enough to Myrtle Beach to enjoy beaches, parks, and entertainment, while offering affordability, space, and new community amenities that appeal to families, retirees, and buyers looking for value. If you are serious about moving to Conway, SC, begin with a clear list of priorities and compare new construction incentives to resale upgrades to decide which path fits your lifestyle best.

Download Our FREE Myrtle Beach New Construction Guide

FAQs

How far is Conway from Myrtle Beach and what is the commute like?

Conway is typically 20 to 35 minutes from Myrtle Beach depending on traffic and your exact starting point. U.S. 501 is the main route and can be congested during peak times, so plan accordingly.

Is it cheaper to buy in Conway than in Myrtle Beach?

Yes. Conway’s housing is significantly more affordable than Myrtle Beach on average. New construction prices in Conway typically run lower than comparable builds closer to the shore, which is a major draw for people moving to Conway, SC.

Are there good schools in Conway?

School quality varies by neighborhood. Areas near Carolina Forest tend to have highly regarded schools. Always check local school assignments for the specific community or subdivision you are considering.

What types of homes are available in Conway?

You will find a wide range: starter homes, family-friendly two-story models, large single-story plans, and luxury resales. New developments often include three and four bedroom models and sometimes three car garages or multi gen units.

Should I buy new construction or a resale in Conway?

That depends on priorities. New construction offers energy efficiency, modern systems, warranties and builder incentives. Resales can offer immediate upgrades and landscaping and may allow more negotiation. Both are viable choices for people moving to Conway, SC.

Do builders offer incentives in Conway?

Yes. Incentives commonly include lower rates through preferred lenders, closing cost assistance, and allowances for finishes. These offerings change frequently, so compare current packages before deciding.

Are there lots with larger acreage in Conway?

Yes. Conway has options for larger lots and even half-acre parcels in certain subdivisions. If acreage is a priority when moving to Conway, SC, several neighborhoods will meet that need.

Is downtown Conway walkable and family friendly?

Absolutely. Downtown Conway’s Riverwalk, boutique shops, and community events make it highly walkable and family oriented—one of the town’s most beloved features.

Closing Thoughts

Conway offers smart value for anyone considering a move near the Grand Strand. Whether your priorities are space, school options, community amenities, or being within a reasonable drive to the beach, Conway delivers. If you are planning on moving to Conway, SC, focus on whether you prefer new construction with builder incentives or a resale loaded with upgrades, then match that preference to locations either north or south of 501.

Every buyer’s situation is different, but Conway is worth adding to the short list if you want more house for your money and a genuine Southern town experience with easy beach access. If you need help buying a home, contact me — call or text 833-867-4376.

READ MORE: Best Neighborhoods to Live in Myrtle Beach: An In-Depth Guide